Earth's wildlife has halved in past 40 years, says study

A new study has shown that the number of wild animals on the planet has reduced by 50% in the last four decades.

Large-scale killing of species on land and in water for human consumption and degradation and destruction of habitats are the two main reasons for the dramatic drop in numbers, the research by WWF and the Zoological Society of London says.

WWF’s director of science and policy Mike Barratt said since human consumption was driving the loss of animal population, “this is clearly a call to arms and we must act now.”